coaching

I have coached Scholastic Bowl for the past 4 years. Admittedly, not my long suit since I am not a trivia or a math person, however; it turns out I have the good sense to pick the kids that are.
My JV team came in first within our league this year. Quite a proud moment for someone who never dreamed that this was something I could coach. (Really, I am just waiting for that big ole trophy to come so I can display it with pride and , yes, I do mean to gloat just a bit!)

One of things that my kids learn from me is strategy on how to play the game. They have the brains and I have the experience to actually teach them how to improve their game.
I have to admit that the kids on my team don't quite know how to take me. What with the accent that shows up from time to time and my "Let me be blunt" personality, I think they sometimes don't remember that it is an HONOR to be on my team!!!

They actually believe that since I was born in West Viriginia that I have a gun and a gun rack on my truck and know how to use it. So much for the stereo typical WestViriginian......at least they know I wear shoes.

My kids have the advantage of having someone like me ( and most of you know what that means) to coach them and the positive thing about it is that no other coach in the league intimidates them. I don't think the same can be said for the other schools about me. Trust me when I tell you that my kids love to see me take on a coach that think they know the rules or how to read the questions or don't like how something is done and I know how it is done.

(I did mention that this was not my long suit but I DO know ALL the rules just in case I need to look smart. NO ONE tells my kids they are wrong because...they're not(at least about the rules). just stating the facts. It is the only thing I could be sure about....because really...do you know all the capitals of the African provinces off the top of your head and without looking? Or which general led which battle during some obscure war? I think not. So I went with knowing the rules....being the rule follower I am.)

It has been a beautiful thing.